TOURIST INFORMATION and other Heidelberg, Germany General Tips

Favorite Thing: Even if you're like me and hate looking anything like a tourist, sometimes the most hardened traveller must momentarily admit defeat and ask for directions, help or advice.

Heidelberg is a tourist hot-spot so the city has ensured that visitors don't spend their days wandering around aimlessly, loosing time and money on their precious visit.

The Tourist Information Office is located exactly outside the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and can give advice on guided tours, sights, hotels & more.

Opening hours (1st April - 31st October)
Monday - Saturday 09:00am - 07:00pm.
Sunday & Holidays 10:00am - 06:00pm.

(1st November - 31st March)
Monday - Saturday 09:00am - 06:00pm.
Closed Sundays & Holidays.
(check their website... changes are possible)

WEBSITE: http://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/content/index_eng.html

Fondest Memory: The office can also give you advice on tram & bus lines to the various sights in Heidelberg. For extended travel outside the city please consult the DB (Deutsche Bahn) office within the train station.

TIP: This office also sells souvenirs... don't buy them here. It's (even more of) a rip off than at the tourist stands in at the Heilig Geist church.

The main tourist area in Heidelberg is the pedestrian precinct in the old town, near the Bismarksplatz, the Neckar river and of course the castle. All along the cobbled street you can find sign boards (see my photo) indicating where you are, and where everything else you want to visit can be found. So read them and use them - if all else fails ask one of the numerous young Heidelbergers for directions (most young people in Germany speak English).

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Favorite Thing: This map provided by the Heidelberg Tourism Board is excellent, and even though I'm a "local" I still use it!

This particular link I am sharing with you describes the locations of all the major and minor sights, statues, historic buildings, etc. in the old town:
--> simply zoom into certain parts on the map by clicking on the magnifying glass with the "+" symbol, draw a square with your mouse and that section will be enlarged. Then "walk" down the Haupstrasse (main street) by using the arrows on the border of the map.

I usually start my walk at the Bismarkplatz (this is where I get off the tram) and walk down the street towards the Heilig Geist Kirche (Holy Ghost church), with the Neckar river to my left.

Fondest Memory: This map is a fantastic way to explore Old Heidelberg before your trip. The map doesn't give detailed information about the nature of certain buildings, so I recommend this link for fantastic information: http://ww2.heidelberg.de/Altstadt-Information/english/index.htm

There is also a search feature on the left side of the map. Enter the address of e.g.: your Hotel, and the map will show you the sights closest to you.

CLICK HERE for your digital walk!
http://ww2.heidelberg.de/hd_map/index_t.html

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--> (if you click on this link, you will see instructions on how to use the Map: http://ww2.heidelberg.de/hd_map/html_hd/about_poi.html)

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Favorite Thing: By now you've probably realised that Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful old cities of Europe. So it is comes as no surprise that many filmmakers have chosen the city's red sand-stone facade & picturesque hills along the Neckar river as a filming location. I totally agree with their view: the city lends itself to being the perfect backdrop for a romantic story in the spring sun, or a shady criminal thriller in the small side streets, a fast-paced corporate drama in the modern commercial buildings, or a fun comedy for children - everything fits.
I remember many occasions on which I was walking through the city and saw filming for a movie or TV series taking place.

Mostly German productions are filmed in Heidelberg, but more and more international film makers are discovering our romantic city... and here is a list of some of the most memorable ones to date:

Fondest Memory: > "The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg" (silent movie) was filmed here in 1927.

> The Cary Grant movie "I was a male war bride" was shot in Heidelberg in 1948.

> "The Big Chance", a 1957 movie about Heidelberg's thriving young jazz players.

> Italian / German black & white movie "Last Ring" in 1979.

> "Die Apothekerin" (the pharmacist) with famous German actress Katja Riemann, 1997.

> One of my favourite German scary movies; "Anatomie" with famous German actress Franka Potente, was filmed in Heidelberg in 2000. The movie shows awesome shots of the University's interior, as well as the "Hotel zum Ritter" and less known parts of the newer areas.

> "Kometen" (Comets). Germany's 2005 attempt of a smaller "Armageddon" version.

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So, if you are visiting Heidelberg (especially in the spring & summer months) you might suddenly find a road or building fenced-off and bustling with film crews and actors.

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Favorite Thing: Apart from the tourism office at the main train station (see my tip HERE: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/175bcb/ ) there is now (Year 2008) another new centre:

The new Tourist Information in the old town ("Hauptstrasse") is located in the Heidelberg City hall at Markplatz (market square).

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 08:00am - 05:00pm.
Saturdays 10:00am - 05:00pm.

Fondest Memory:

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For updates on everything that might affect / improve / influence your stay in Heidelberg, visit this very useful Website:

http://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/content/index_eng.html

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